time to replace alternator?

[Tim K]

Last week I had a squeaky alternator bearing. Today I noticed that the "charge gauge" in my dashboard is much lower than usual. At only about 20%. I haven't gotten any warning lights, or dimming.

I don't know if the conditions can affect power output or not? Its about 30 degrees, snowing heavily with about 8 inches of snow on the ground. I have been in 4wd with both front and rear wipers, headlights, radio...etc.

I just replaced the battery with a new 850 cca battery two weeks ago so that shouldn't be the problem.

If it is my alternator...how much should I expect to pay? Can I get one at Pep Boys or some place like that?

 

[Tim K]

Another question...assuming I need to replace mine...

What "size" do I have? 95? 130? (1997 XLT 4.0 OHV engine)
Should I upgrade to a higher output? 200?
If so, do I need anything else to make it "compatible"?

Can I install it myself? I am no mechanic, but I am very mechanically inclined and can do anything requiring only basic tools.

I saw on Mr Alternator, that I could get a 200amp alternator for $195. And at Autozone they have Duralast Alternators from $169-219 (less trade in of old amp).

What is your advice oh geniuseseses of the web...

[Edited by Tim K on 02-05-2001 at 06:42 PM]

 

[leebo]

I'd guess it's the combo of the load you're putting on the alt. as well as maybe the alt. itself. Go down to your nearest store and have them give it a looksee. They will test it for free, often right there on the car.

If it does turn out to be bad, upgrade. I've been running a 200 one for some time....I love it. I've ran several different items on it all at once, with no difference whatsoever. If you can change the belt on your truck, you can change the alt. It's just two bolts, a small set of wires, and the belt. No problem.

 

[Tim K]

Thanks. I seem to recall Pep Boys was offering a free "charging system inspection" when I was there last week. Maybe I'll pop in and have them check it out. I hope its OK, I don't need to put another $100+ on the credit card....

 

[tac0meat]

ya i have that 200amp altenator from MR alenator, i love it. ill admit i didnt install it, but it took my friend all of 5 min to do it. loosen belt undo 2 bolts and 2 wires, swap out, and reconnect it all, BTW- what kind of battery did you get? i have an optima red top and love it, you just cant kill it, i have ran it TOTALLY dead many times and with the 200amp altenator it is charged back up and ready to go within an hour or so of driving(the optima is another item well worht the money)

 

[Tim K]

I bought the ProStart Premium Battery. It has a 24 month replacement / 84 month pro rated warranty. I believe it is made by Exide. If my Alternator is faulty I'll see what kind of price Pep Boys is selling a 200amp Alternator for and if it is cheaper than Mr Alternator I will have to pick one up.

 

[leebo]

You'll get a better price from mr. alternator. I think I paid about 230 for mine from ac delco. But that was also with a set of fuses too.....so about 225.

 

[Tim K]

well, I went to Napa and Pep Boys, and the guy at Napa told me that since I have a 95amp alternator I have to replace it with a 95amp. They wanted like $129 for a new 95amp. I told him I want to upgrade to at least 130amps ($179) and he said I can't b/c its larger and won't fit...and that there is no reason too. Well, the reason is that I want to dammit! I noticed today with my lights on, radio bumping (factory no less), heat blowing...etc, my gauge was dipping and my lights were dimming. So I know I need a better alternator.

So can someone tell me how they managed to fit a 130amp or 200amp alternator in their Explorer? Do you need new mounting brackets or something?

[Edited by Tim K on 02-06-2001 at 01:11 PM]

 

[leebo]

ya....it's called talking to a new person. There are several people here running a larger alt. without a problem. No new brackets or nothing. The reason......you never know when you're going to upgrade and need the higher power. Why not pay about 50 extra now rather than 200 later. I'd say see somebody else.

 

[Goober]

I don't believe they told you, you CAN'T put a larger one in there. Go back and pimp-slap whoever it was and then go to a altenator place and get the real facts. If it will bolt up to your brackets, the belt pulley is the same(width), you'll be able to put it on. The tensioner will allow for a larger size altenator to be used though it may put a tad more drag on the motor. Nonetheless, a larger one will fit.

 

[tac0meat]

ok, that guy just doesnt know his a$$ from a hole in the ground! you can too fit a larger altenator, i have a 200amp from mr altenator(well worth the 195 bucks), goober is right you cant fit a PHYSICALLY larger one in their, but the bigger amp ones just bolt right in. you can change this out yourself, and even if you have absolutely no knowledge of cars you can probably have it replaced in about 10min. plus with mr altenator you are still keeping your old one, their is no core charge or anything like that(unlike with napa or pepboys),

[Edited by tac0meat on 02-07-2001 at 09:25 PM]

 

[darknight]

Everybody is definetly right about this one!! And the guy you talked to is a moron. I got my 200amp from Ford and changed it out in 15 mins. Needed it because of the 300 watt amp under my passenger seat. Get the 200 amp because having to much is better then not having enough!!!

Darknight